Most of you know that today the NCAA upheld its decision to vacate the 2013 National Championship from the University of Louisville men's basketball team. Although I am bummed, scratch that, very upset, that this is happening to my Alma Mater, I can't help but think of how many gospel opportunities will come from this. Over the next two weeks, you and I who live in the city of Louisville will be asked what we think about this decision at least five times a day. For some, this question will be in jest by those enjoying the suffering of their rival school. Y'all pray for me! For others the question will be searching for shared empathy and grief. No matter how the question is asked, it's going to come up.
What we need to ask ourselves is, how are we going to respond? How are we going to leverage this news? Are we going to answer how everyone else at work, or school, is going to answer? With conversation that remains on temporal earthly things? Our frustrations, our opinions, our blame shifting? Or will we give people something different, give them an account for the hope that is in us? I think we have a great opportunity to turn these conversations towards the gospel, if we will be intentional.
Some Ideas
• "Well, I'm really bummed about it, but it's a reminder that our ultimate hope is only satisfied in Jesus, and He gives us a victory that cannot be taken away." This is a door to explain why your eternal hope is in Jesus, his death and resurrection.
• "Well, you know, it shows us that when there's a violation, there must be a penalty. Just like sports teams have to give an account, we all will one day give an account to God our maker. This is good or bad news depending on if you know Jesus." This is a door to explain sin, righteousness, and our need for Jesus.
• "Well I think it's a good reminder that we all are in need of mercy. If God wanted to, He is really just to bring down sanctions on my life for my sin, but He was merciful in that while I was a sinner Christ died for me. Granting me faith and repentance."
This is a door to to talk about the cross and how God was both merciful and just at the same time. These are just conversation starters, i would also think through some way to invite them to deeper conversation at a later time if they are interested. But it's a start. Thanks to the NCAA, people in Louisville won't have to try hard to find opportunities for the gospel this week. Let's have a plan and pray for God to work all things together for His good.